Colon Cancer: The First Signs

Are you aware of colon cancer? This cancer is based in the large intestine or the colon, and the digestive system. Rectal cancer refers to the last few inches of the colon. These cancers are together known as colorectal cancers. Commonly, colon cancer starts as a small non-cancerous clump of cells known as adenomatous polyps. With time, some of these polyps may turn cancerous. The polyps are usually small and very few symptoms are observed.

Symptoms-

In many cases, colon cancer strikes without showing any major symptoms. Hence, it is very important for you to have regular screenings called colorectal screenings for detecting early problems. However, in other cases there are several symptoms of colon cancer and bleeding is the first one of them. Tumours may bleed in small amounts and the evidence of bleeding in only found during chemical stool testing. When the tumours grow larger, other symptoms are slowly observed. They are as follows:

1. Change in Bowel Movements: Several symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation and bowel incontinence are likely to be observed.

2. Blood in Stool: This is the most alarming symptom of colon cancer. However, the presence of blood in the stool does not always indicate cancer, as other problems such as haemorrhoids, ulcers and ulcerative colitis also cause bleeding in the digestive tract.

3. Unexplained Anemia: Anemia is the shortage of red blood cells, which help in carrying oxygen all over the body. In case you experience anemia, you will feel sluggish and tired. You will be exhausted in such a way that even rest will have no impact.

4. Other Symptoms: More symptoms such as vomiting, fatigue, unusual weight loss and unusual stomach or gas pain are also likely to be experienced which indicate colon cancer.

The Importance of Screening for the Prevention of Colon Cancer-

Colon cancer does not cause symptoms in an early stage and the major symptoms start appearing in the advanced stage. It is recommended for all people above the age of 50 to undertake regular colon cancer screenings. In case of people having a family history of colon cancer, and people with certain risk factors, screening should be undertaken at an early age after being approved by a doctor.

When diagnosed at an early stage, the five-year survival rate of colon cancer is around 90%. However, in the cases where colon cancer spreads outside the colon, the survival rates get reduced. It is important for you to consult a doctor on experiencing any symptoms of colon cancer.